Update | Arthritis Information

 

Well, I have been MIA for awhile, not feeling well.  I have been popping on and reading, but that is about it.

I went to my RD today and he added MTX back into the mix.  I am staying on Arava for the time being (against my wishes), he wants to try a combo of the two before we give up on Arava.  I told him today that we need to get really agressive because this is starting to really interfere with my life (work, social, etc).  He gave me a brochure on Sampsoni (sp?) to read up on. 

Plus, I'm going to be on a maintanence dose of pred, 5mg.  So, hopefully, I will see some positive changes soon.

Take care, hope everyone is well.

PhatsGood to hear from you and sending lots of hope your way that the changes in meds help.

Sorry to hear you haven't been doing well.  I hope the added mtx and pred helps!

 

Good luck with the added Methotrexate! If you decide to go on Simponi and have any questions, InnerGlow and myself have been on it for about 4 months.Phats, I am sorry you are having such a hard time.  I, too, am on that low dose of pred. (don't know how happy I am about that either!)  You are doing the right thing in exploring your options for better control and I sure hope you find the best answer for you and soon!

How long will you try this combo before you look at something else?  It sounds as though your RD is working hard for you.  I just know it will get better and until then, I will add my wishes to those of others and keep you in my thoughts!

Waddie HI Phats, sorry you have been doing it tough, how long since you have been on pred?  Has Arava made any difference to you, and what if any side effects have you experienced?  I tried both together MTX and Arava, it did work but the side effects were impossible.  All the best with your next step.  Janie.  Phats, hope the change in meds work.  It's a never ending battle to find the right combo.  Ten years later and I'm still searching.  My RD is going to add either Arava or Plaq. to my arsenal of meds in a month.  Seems like 3 dmards are the way to go for persistent flaring.  Hope you feel better soon.  LindyI am SO sorry to know that you have been unwell and can only echo what Lindy said about combination therapy. I have once again added in Plaquenil to rein in the Sjögren's.

I hope you find a resolution quickly.

Best wishes, Shug
Thank you all for the kind words.  It really helps in times of crisis.  I have been on Arava for 5 months, had no side effects, but may as well be taking a placebo.  I saw absolutely no difference. 

I have another appt in 6 weeks, but the dr. said he wanted me to be on the combo for approx 4 months before switching.  He is working  hard for me, thankfully.  There was a time when I wondered if he was going to be aggressive enough.  I need to start taking a pad and pen with me because I forget what meds we talk about. 

I"m going to email my dr today and see if I can up my Pred, then taper to a low dose.  I need something and quick.  I couldn't even make a fist last night. 

Enough about all that. Glad you are all doing well.  Thanks again for the well wishes.  It really helps.  We have a great AI family here!

Gosh, I'm getting mushy.....

Phats

Just got an email from my RD, he agreed to increase my pred, although not as much as I hoped.  He also said my LFT's are out of range and wants me to get labs drawn again in 2 weeks.  Geez, it never ends.

PhatsSorry to hear your struggling Phats. Hang in there. Phats, as if you did not have enough to contend with, now you have to fret about lab results... you are right: it IS always something and it is past time for something to be positive and fun!

My very best wishes, Shug

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